Why should I neuter my pet?

Aside from the humane reasons, such as pet overpopulation, there are many valid medical reasons to neuter your pet. Neutered pets live longer, healthier lives than intact (not neutered) pets.

First, the term “neuter” applies to both male and female pets, however the term “spay” is commonly used for females. The actual surgical procedure involves the removal of the testicles in a male or the ovaries and the uterus in a female.

The neutering of a female pet can prevent many problems with her reproductive tract, some of which can be fatal, even with treatment. Virtually all of these problems are preventable by neutering.

One of the most common medical problems in non-neutered female dog is an infection in the uterus called pyometra. This type of infection does not respond well to treatment with antibiotics and can lead to death if the uterus is not surgically removed. Pets with pyometra are very sick and the surgery is extremely risky.

Mammary (breast) cancer is another potentially fatal disease in female pets. It is almost totally preventable through neutering. Additionally, cancers of the reproductive tract, such as ovarian cancer, are totally preventable if the pet is neutered.

Male pets also benefit from neutering. Medically, non-neutered male pets are more susceptible to both prostatitis and cancer of the reproductive tract.

Non-neutered male pets are also much more prone to wander away from home when attracted by the scent of a female in heat. This scent can carry for long distances, possibly several miles, and becomes overpowering to an intact male. If a male pet wanders away from home, he may become lost, injured in a fight or run over by a car. The majority of pets lost or treated for injuries by veterinarians are male. This behavior is virtually eliminated by neutering.

A common misconception is that neutering a pet change his or her personality. This is completely false. A pet will have the same personality they do when not in heat or under the influence of a female in heat. If anything, pet’s personality is more consistent after neutering.

There are many myths about neutered pets. The soundest information should come directly from your veterinarian. If you need more evidence, you might ask if his or her own pets are neutered. With the exception of breeding pets, I bet the answer is yes. Mine are.